C. Oregon cold doesn’t put stop to work, exercise

Around 9 Thursday morning, it was zero degrees in Bend. The cold winter weather was a big challenge for people who had to go outside for work, or are motivated enough to get in some outdoor exercise.

Even through the single-digit temperatures, Bend Public Works road crews were hard at work and battling the elements.

“It’s really cold outside, and it’s pretty hard on equipment — things just start breaking and sanders don’t really work,” said street utility worker Will Smith.

A pile of gravel used for sanding Thursday was covered in a sheet of ice. Crews had to sift through the icy chunks and get the smooth sand out on the slick roads.

“We’re trying everything we can,” Smith said. “The main roads are all taken care of, pretty much. We can’t really plow them, so we’re just getting sand down.”

At Dandy’s Drive-In, the waitresses were still rolling around on their skates in the cold weather.

“Our skates don’t freeze up, but I’ve got two pairs of socks on and toe warmers,” said server Katie Seems.

The women layered in scarves, mittens and jackets as they served up burgers to hungry customers.

“We are very bundled up, but we are very dedicated to our job here at Dandy’s,” Seems said. “And people still keep coming in, so we’ll keep serving them in the cold.”

Those who choose to be outside in the cold temps, like ultra runner and personal trainer, Ian Sharman, say working through the cold weather can burn more calories because the body is fighting to stay warm.

“Take advantage of this — you don’t have to do just the one sport you normally do,” Sharman said. “I’m a runner, but this is a great time to cross-train whether that’s using snowshoes, or skiing or snowboarding.”

Sharman is not just a runner. He’s a decorated ultra marathoner who holds the fastest 100-mile trail race time in the U.S.

He gets ready for the slick conditions with traction on his shoes, and he loosens up because more injuries happen in the cold when muscles are tight.

“It’s important to be doing some stretches and get things moving, get the blood pumping,” Sharman said. “Then, when you start running, or whatever exercise you’re doing, your muscles are ready to get going. They’re already fired up.”

Another tip from Sharman: Make sure to stay hydrated in the cold weather and wear layers. For more information on Sharman’s personal training, visit http://sharmanian.blogspot.com/